Those syllables and letters became my executioner. I told myself that, if I didn’t acknowledge the pain and the fear, they would have no power over me. But, as the years passed, the hate and the anger left behind began to control me.

Two words—that was all it took to plunge my life into darkness.

“He’s gone.”

In the end, it was four soft, silky words that gave me hope of another sunrise.

“Hi. I’m Charlotte Mills.”

4 stars

This was a really emotional story from Anna and it was really easy to get drawn into it. Erik has had so much happen to him throughout his life. His life is spiralling downward and he can’t seem to get out of the cycle of self destruction and blame believing that he doesn’t deserve anything good to happen to him. He uses alcohol to numb the pain of his past but whilst it makes it go away for a short time it is still there in the cold light of day.

Polly’s life has also been anything but easy. Growing up in the foster care system, she has never felt loved, never known what it was like to have a family that cares. Craving that stability and security, she made some poor choices, trusted the wrong people and all that did was leave her feeling used, abused and more alone then ever

Both carry a lot of baggage, neither is looking for a relationship but when they first meet, the attraction is instant and although they do their best to stay away from each other, they just can’t. The path to their HEA is not easy at all, they face many challenges along the way but ultimately, they are meant to be together.

This was another great read from Anne, packed full with so much heartache, pain but also hope. It shows us that love can conquer all and out of all that tragedy can come something beautiful.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.